What are pellets?

Pellets are made by grinding together different feedstuffs: grain, hay, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Each brand of pellets is a bit different, some having more energy, some more fiber, but the general production method is the same. The final nutritional analysis of the pellets are decided on and the amount of the different grains, hays and vitamin and mineral supplements and other feedstuffs are ground up and pelleted. Som manufactuers are discovering that mixed feeds, containing unground seeds, nuts and sometimes dried vegetables and fruits are popular with consumers. However, many rabbits selectively eat the "good stuff" making this a very unbalanced diet. I strongly recommend feeding a complete pelleted feed instead of a mix.

What makes a good pellet?

For the houserabbit pellets are a source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. An ideal pellet would have a nutritional analysis something like:

Crude fiber: 20-25%
Crude protein: 13-15%
Crude fat: < 2%

A good pellet should also be labeled with a manufacture date and a lot code. Presence of a milling date assures you that the pellets are fresh. Lot codes are necessary for proper quality control.

Why should I feed pellets?

Pellets are a concentrated source of energy and nutrients. They act as a vitamin and mineral supplement and ensure that a bunny receives all the nutrients it needs to grow and stay healthy. While fresh foods are high in many vitamins and minerals, they do lack certain nutrients such as the essential fatty acids. Over the short term, the low concentrations of these nutrients does not pose a problem, but long term low levels may have a negative impact on the bunny's health. As nutritionists discover every day, the minimum requirements may prevent overt signs of deficiency, but there may be more subtle problems to feeding a diet marginal in nutrients.

In the case of baby bunnies need calories and concentrated nutrients because they are rapidly growing. Because pellets have both concentrated energy and a relatively high fiber level, they are a safe way to give baby bunnies the energy and nutrients they need to grow.

Neither hay nor veggies are good sources of some minerals, vitamin E and the essential fatty acids. While there is no hard evidence on the requirements for these nutrients in rabbits there is also no evidence to suggest that a limited amount of pellets is unhealthy.

Additionally, there are those rabbits, like my Tucker, who would not simply not survive on a diet of only greens and hay. Tucker weighs about 5 pounds and eats twice what his pen-mates do, and is still fur, skin and bones. I cannot immagine trying to keep him at a healthy weight without a concentrated source of energy.

What if my bunny cannot tolerate pellets?

For rabbits who cannot tolerate pellets, I recommend two or three different kinds, including small amount of alfalfa. This will provide a better balance of minerals than a single hay variety. I recommend a minimum of 5, and ideally 8, different veggies a day. ¹ Sunflower seeds and peanuts (one or two a week) are sources of vitamin E and some of the essential fatty acids. Flax seed or flax oil is a good source of one of the other fatty acids and can be fed as well. The amounts should be small, one or two peanuts or sunflower seeds or a 1/4 teaspoon of flax seeds a week.

¹ only one of which is lettuce -- if multiple lettuces are fed, they count as one of the five.

How do I choose a pellet for my bunny?

Under US law, all pellets should be labeled with

Minimum protein content
Minimum fat content
Maximum fiber content

Some brands will also list mineral percentages, minimum fiber levels, and occasionally values for different amino acids. A good rule of thumb is that the percentage of fiber should always be higher than the percentage of protein listed on the package. If the protein content is equal to or more than the fiber content, this is a sign what you are looking at is not a good pellet for houserabbits. Fat content over 3% is a reason not to feed a pellet, unless there is a reason bunny needs more calories.

I also recommend using a pellet that has the date of manufacture stamped on the bag. This indicates that the company has some sort of inventory control and assures you that the pellets have not been sitting on a shelf somewhere for a long period of time.

In Conclusion

A limited quantity of pellets can be a part of the healthy house rabbit diet. They are a source of balanced vitamins and minerals. Pellets are high in calories, however, and can contribute to obesity if not fed in limited quantities.

Still want more information? Check out the review of pellet brands

Hay Water Treats Pellets
Pellet Brands Vegetables Commercial Treats